Perfect popcorn to AI coding: Windsor-Essex students test their science skills

Windsor Regional Science, Technology, and Engineering Fair on April 13, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Students from across Windsor-Essex put their greatest works to the test over the weekend as part of the Windsor Regional Science, Technology, and Engineering Fair.

Participants crafted ideas on varying topics from what types of popcorn pop the best, to the ideal method for maintaining cut flowers.

About 250 students from Grades 4 to 12 were judged by professionals from related industries and received medals or prizes based on their results.

While learning in the classroom often focuses on the curriculum, fair Chair Danielle Richer said the two-day event provides an added opportunity for hands on experiments.

“As a part of a science fair, they can choose whatever they want to do, and so that opens up their horizon,” Richer said.

For some of the top students in Grades 7 to 12, the fair provided an opportunity to move on to a national competition in Fredericton, N.B., later this spring.

“So they get to miss five days of school, but they get an exposure to a whole new world of scientific advancements and experiences,” Richer explained.

Traditionally, experiments and projects have focused on physical designs and tests; however, this year, Richer noted a trend in AI use for projects.

“What’s amazing is that it starts at really young ages. We’ve got some elementary students that are coding that are coming up with innovative ways to use AI to advance science,” she said. “They’re able to do this because it’s just it’s something that’s natural for them.”

Richer said the hope is that some students will use the opportunity to later pursue careers in related fields.

Working collaboratively with industry members, she added students can often form relationships, which can later lead to mentorships or career opportunities.

“It gives us hope that [with] the next generation, we are good hands,” she said.